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Instantly Check If Your Vehicle Meets ULEZ Standards

Get a ULEZ check to find out if your vehicle meets London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone standards and if you need to pay the ULEZ daily charge. Enter your vehicle registration to check the ULEZ compliance in seconds.

What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is one of the UK initiatives to cut down on air pollution and improve the quality of people’s health. It concerns a majority of vehicles that are in operation within certain regions, such as central and Greater London, including all 32 London boroughs.

You can use our free ULEZ checker to see if your car meets the ULEZ emissions standards. If not, you will need to pay to drive within the ULEZ. As it is, the standard daily charge for most vehicles, motorbikes, and vans is £12.50, whereas heavy vehicles such as trucks and coaches cost from £100 – £300.

Why Do Car Owners and Drivers Need to Check ULEZ Compliance?

ULEZ charges older polluting cars for driving in certain London areas. Check compliance now to avoid expensive fines and unexpected fees daily. Here are some of the benefits:

Avoid Daily ULEZ Charges

If your car doesn't meet ULEZ standards, you'll pay £12.50 every single day you drive into the zone which adds up to thousands of pounds each year quickly.

Prevent Penalty Charge Notices

Driving a non-compliant car without paying the ULEZ fee results in automatic £180 fines sent to your home which double if you don't pay them on time properly.

Plan Your London Journeys Better

Knowing if your car is ULEZ compliant helps you decide whether to drive into London or use public transport instead saving money and avoiding stress about charges.

Check Before Buying Used Cars

Testing ULEZ compliance before purchasing a used vehicle prevents you from accidentally buying a car that costs extra money every time you drive it into London areas.

Protect Your Vehicle's Resale Value

Non-compliant cars are worth less money now because fewer people want them so checking compliance helps you understand your vehicle's true market value when selling later.

Access Wider London Areas Freely

ULEZ compliant cars let you drive anywhere in London without worrying about extra charges or keeping track of which zones cost money to enter each day.

How to Check ULEZ Compliance of any Vehicle

It takes a few seconds to check the ULEZ status of your car for free. To check if your vehicle complies with the low-emission standards in London, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Enter the Vehicle’s Registration Number

Type your registration plate into the form at the top of this page. You can find it on your vehicle’s number plate or registration document (V5C).

Step 2: Click “Search” for ULEZ Car Check

Submit the form to view your vehicle’s ULEZ compliance result instantly. It will clearly show whether your car meets the standards. If it doesn’t, you may need to prepare to pay the daily fee to drive within the ULEZ.

How Does Smart Car Check’s ULEZ Checker Work?

Our ULEZ zone checker uses official DVLA records and TfL emissions data to see if your vehicle meets Euro standards for low pollution. By entering your vehicle registration, we’ll show if your vehicle is compliant or requires payment to drive in the Ultra Low Emission Zone.

The results follow TfL’s published guidelines, though accuracy can vary, especially for older or specialist vehicles made before 1 January 1973. Some vehicle types, such as historic, agricultural, or military models, may be exempt, so always confirm your vehicle’s ULEZ compliance with our online ULEZ vehicle check tool or directly with TfL.

Why Choose Smart Car Check ULEZ Checker

Smart Car Check’s ULEZ check tool instantly shows if your car meets ULEZ rules and gives the CO2 emissions and band for free.

If you’re buying a used car that’s ULEZ compliant, you should upgrade to a full car check to get the full history of the car, helping you avoid a car with hidden and legal issues. Here’s what to expect:

MOT and tax status

Vehicle age

Mileage records

MOT history with advisory notes

Outstanding finance

MIAFTR Stolen car records

Write-off status and category

Previous keepers

Log book history

Car performance

Tax (VED) rates

High-risk records

Plate/colour changes

VIN number (last five digits)

Fuel consumption

Engine number and specifications

Scrapped status

Imported/Exported

Imported Non-EU

Certificate of destruction

Key Components for ULEZ Compliance

To know whether your car can be regarded as ULEZ, it is important to know the main factors that define compliance. These elements will determine if your car passes the emission regulations, or you will pay a fine.

Emission Standards

The level of ULEZ compliance depends on the cleanliness of the engine of your vehicle. Euro 4 standards are typically required of petrol cars and vehicles registered since 2006. Euro 6 is required of diesel cars and vans registered since September 2015 and September 2016, respectively.

Vehicle Type

The compliance with the ULEZ depends on the type of vehicle that you drive. They do not apply to fully electric cars as they do not emit any emissions. Some historic, military, or agricultural vehicles could also apply. Before driving, always look up ULEZ guidelines to be sure that your car is not liable to the daily fee.

Age of the Vehicle

Ageing cars have higher chances of failing ULEZ checks as they were manufactured before the new rules on emissions were enforced. The cars produced after 2015 have a higher level of performance, whereas the old cars produced before 2005 are not compliant and may need to be tested or modified to be ULEZ compliant..

Documentation

The logbook (V5C) of your vehicle provides information about the engine type, fuel, and emission standards. With the correct information, our ULEZ checker can provide the correct answer and help you avoid any unplanned charges or face penalties due to the invalid registration information.

Common Reasons for ULEZ Non-Compliance

By early 2025, nearly all London drivers met ULEZ standards. Reports showed that about 96% of cars and over 90% of vans were compliant, reflecting strong public adaptation to cleaner driving rules.

Many vehicles fail ULEZ checks for the following reasons:

Failure to Meet Emission Standards

Cars that fail to comply with Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) are deemed non-compliant. These vehicles produce increased nitrogen oxides and particulates, which have direct toxic effects on air quality and human health in cities.

Older Vehicle Models

Both petrol cars and diesel cars manufactured prior to 2006 and 2015, respectively, are more susceptible to failing inspection. They were not built to match the current stringent emission requirements and are therefore liable to daily ULEZ penalties.

Incorrect Vehicle Registration Information

When your registration information or emission records are not up to date, it might be mistakenly interpreted by the system as non-compliant. Always ensure your V5C shows a true picture of your vehicle in terms of engine and fuel type.

Planning a Trip within ULEZ? Check ULEZ Compliance First!

Before driving into London or any expanding ULEZ zone, check vehicle for ULEZ. Don’t risk fines or penalties you are not prepared for; use the best ULEZ checker today to confirm your compliance and drive with peace of mind.

Planning a Trip within ULEZ? Check Compliance First!

Before driving into London or any expanding ULEZ zone, check your vehicle’s status instantly. Don’t risk fines or penalties you are not prepared for; use the best ULEZ checker today to confirm your compliance and drive with peace of mind.

Get the Smart Car Check Mobile App

Check your vehicle’s ULEZ status anytime, anywhere. With our mobile app, you can perform instant car checks, track MOT history, verify mileage, outstanding finance, ensure compliance, and more, all from your smartphone.

FAQ About ULEZ Check

What does ULEZ stand for and what is it?

ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone. It’s a citywide project in London that is designed to decrease the amount of air pollution. Drivers of older, more pollutant-emitting cars have to pay a daily charge of £12.50 every day when entering the zone. The daily charge differs by vehicle type.

Where does the ULEZ charge apply?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers all Greater London boroughs, including the City of London and outer areas up to the M25 motorway. It operates 24/7 year-round except Christmas Day. Non-compliant vehicles pay daily charges, monitored by number-plate cameras.

How do I know if I have to pay the ULEZ charge?

The ULEZ charge applies if your vehicle doesn’t meet emission standards within Greater London’s ULEZ area. Use our ULEZ checker with your registration number to verify compliance. Pay the daily charge within three days to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Which cars are free to drive in the ULEZ?

The cars that are free to drive in the ULEZ, and in general are exempt from ULEZ charges, are:

Electric cars
The Euro 4 petrol cars (those registered after 2006).
Diesel vehicles that comply with the Euro 6 requirements (registered since 2015).

To check the compliance of your specific vehicle, use our ULEZ vehicle checker by entering your vehicle registration number, or use the Transport for London (TfL) site.

How can I check if my car is ULEZ-compliant?

To check if your car is ULEZ compliant, enter your registration in our ULEZ Checker to instantly verify if your vehicle meets compliance standards. Cars must meet Euro 3 for motorcycles, Euro 4 for petrol cars, and Euro 6 for diesel cars to avoid charges.